Forensic audio deals in the scientific and professional investigation (including the technology and tools used) to determine the authenticity of sound where it pertains to criminal cases, as well civil court cases. Based on audio forensics, the results turned up during investigation can be used as evidence in criminal and civil cases that deal with anything from family and neighbor disputes, divorce, extortion and even industrial espionage.
Audio forensics have been used in virtually every case involving a wiretap or recorded conversation that was used in a trial - and that includes the common analysis of surveillance tapes in work environments, particular with disputes between employers and employees.
The Roots of Forensic audio
Before audio forensics was widely used in the professional world and by law enforcement agencies, the practice was focused mainly among the United States government. Linguistics experts and those versed in studying audio would utilize technology during World War II to dissect and analyze the voice patterns of enemies via radio and telephone.During World War II, specialists utilized a spectrograph to plot the frequencies and amplitudes of voice patterns. This practice made it easier to identify individuals of interest and monitor frequencies for important broadcasts or intelligence.
